Hello, fellow food enthusiasts!
Today, I am thrilled to share a dish that’s close to my heart and guaranteed to bring some vibrant, fresh flavours to your dinner table: “Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Skewers with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce.” This recipe is perfect for those family dinners where you want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen.
As you might know, with four lively children running around, our household can get pretty hectic. This dish is a lifesaver because it’s straightforward to prepare, yet the flavors are so complex that it feels like a gourmet experience! Plus, who doesn’t love grilled food? It’s a surefire way to get kids excited about dinner.
### The Magic of Lemongrass
Lemongrass is the star of this dish, and its aromatic, lemony flavour gives the chicken a unique twist that’s both refreshing and exotic. When combined with garlic, fish sauce, and a touch of honey, it creates a marinade that can transform plain chicken thighs into something absolutely spectacular.
### Marinade Magic
I love to marinate the chicken the night before to let all those incredible flavours really seep in. Trust me, a little bit of advance planning pays off in the taste department. If you’re in a hurry, even an hour in the fridge will do wonders.
### Grill Time
Firing up the grill is always a hit at our house. The kids love watching the skewers sizzle, and there’s something deeply satisfying about those beautiful grill marks. If the weather isn’t cooperating, you can use a grill pan indoors—just as effective!
### Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce
This dipping sauce is a classic in Vietnamese cuisine and couldn’t be simpler to make. It’s a delightful mix of fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar, with a bit of garlic and chili for that extra zing. It perfectly complements the lemongrass chicken, balancing the sweet, salty, and tangy notes beautifully.
### Garnishes Galore
For serving, I like to add some thinly sliced cucumber, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a few lime wedges. The cool crunch of the cucumber and the fresh herbs really elevate the dish, making it not only taste fabulous but look Instagram-worthy too!
So, gather the family, fire up that grill, and let’s get cooking! These Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Skewers with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce are sure to become a favourite in your household, just like they are in ours.
Happy cooking!
Al
Ingredients
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 lemongrass stalks, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)
- For Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 red chili, finely sliced
- 2 tablespoons grated carrots (optional)
Method
- Prepare the chicken marinade: In a large bowl, combine the chopped lemongrass, minced garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, honey, vegetable oil, and ground black pepper. Mix well.
- Marinate the chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and add them to the marinade. Toss to coat. Cover the bowl with clingfilm and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for best results.
- Soak the skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill or barbecue to medium-high heat, approximately 200°C (400°F).
- Assemble the skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, ensuring that the pieces are evenly spaced.
- Grill the skewers: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice char on the outside.
- Prepare the Nuoc Cham dipping sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and water until the sugar is fully dissolved. Add the minced garlic, sliced red chili, and grated carrots if using. Mix well.
- Serve: Arrange the grilled lemongrass chicken skewers on a serving platter. Garnish with thinly sliced cucumber, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges. Serve with the Nuoc Cham dipping sauce on the side.
